Ankara Turkey Travel Guide: Sightseeing, Hotels, Restaurants, Shopping Highlights

Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, is often overlooked by tourists who are drawn to the coastal areas or the bustling metropolis of Istanbul. However, this cosmopolitan city has a lot to offer for those willing to explore. From historical landmarks to vibrant bazaars, comfortable hotels to diverse culinary experiences, Ankara has something for everyone.

Sightseeing in Ankara

As a city that has been inhabited for thousands of years, Ankara has a rich history and numerous historical landmarks to explore. The most notable sight is the ancient Roman Temple of Augustus, which dates back to 25 BC. The temple is incredibly well-preserved and offers a glimpse into the city's past.

The Ataturk Mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of modern Turkey, is another must-visit attraction. This impressive memorial complex serves as a tribute to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and offers panoramic views of the city.

Ankara, Turkey Travel Guide - Sightseeing, Hotel, Restaurant & Shopping Highlights (Illustrated)

by Masculine Profiles(Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	254 KB
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If you're interested in museums, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is a must-see. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts from prehistoric times to the Byzantine era, providing insight into Turkey's rich cultural heritage.

Accommodation and Dining

When it comes to accommodation, Ankara offers a wide range of options to suit all budgets. From luxurious five-star hotels to cozy boutique accommodations, there's something for every traveler. If you're looking for a unique experience, consider staying in a traditional Ottoman-style guesthouse in the historic district of Ulus.

Ankara is known for its diverse culinary scene, offering both traditional Turkish cuisine and international flavors. Don't miss the opportunity to try some local specialties like döner kebab, lahmacun, and baklava. For a fine dining experience, head to the Kızılay neighborhood, where you'll find a variety of upscale restaurants serving international and fusion cuisine.

Exploring Ankara's Shopping Scene

Ankara is a paradise for shopaholics, with a wide range of shopping opportunities. From modern shopping malls to traditional bazaars, you'll find everything you're looking for.

If you're interested in local handicrafts and souvenirs, head to the lively Samanpazarı neighborhood. Here, you'll find shops selling everything from hand-woven carpets to intricate ceramic pieces. The beautiful cobblestone streets and vibrant atmosphere make it the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.

For a more modern shopping experience, visit the Armada Shopping Mall. With over 200 stores, this mall offers a mix of local and international brands. You'll find everything from clothing and accessories to electronics and home decor.

Highlights of Ankara

Ankara isn't just about sightseeing, hotels, restaurants, and shopping. The city has much more to offer.

For nature lovers, visit the Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo, a massive green space where you can relax, go for walks, and observe various animal species. The Botanical Garden is another gem, with a wide variety of plant species and a peaceful atmosphere.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Haci Bayram Mosque is a must. This beautiful mosque is a testament to the city's Ottoman heritage and is considered one of Ankara's most important religious sites.

Overall, Ankara is a city that deserves to be explored. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Whether you're interested in sightseeing, trying delicious food, or indulging in some retail therapy, Ankara has it all. So, make sure to include Ankara in your travel plans and discover the hidden gems of Turkey's capital city.

Ankara, Turkey Travel Guide - Sightseeing, Hotel, Restaurant & Shopping Highlights (Illustrated)

by Masculine Profiles(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	254 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	22 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Item Weight	:	8.1 ounces
Dimensions	:	4.96 x 0.75 x 7.6 inches

FREE

Ankara is the “heart” of Turkey and is the perfect mix of the modern and the historical. It is one of the emerging tourist destinations in Turkey and there has been a recent surge in popularity of the city. But you will find prices here are generally lower than in Istanbul and the coastal resorts and your Turkish Lira (TL) will go much further.

Ankara is the capital of Turkey and is located near the centre of Turkey in Anatolia province. It is the second largest city in Turkey, after Istanbul, and is a commercial hub and an interesting yet less-traveled place to visit. The city has a population of 4.3 million and foreign embassies, government institutions and military bases are located here.

Ankara receives many visitors in its own right and many tourists who stopover on their way to other parts of Anatolia like Cappadocia or the Black Sea coast.

Ankara is a major university city and students dominate the streets of shopping areas like Kizilay and Sakaya during most of the year. Consequently, Ankara has a lively nightlife.

The city has many recreational green areas like Genclik Park, the oldest park in the city yet only dating from 1943. But don’t let that fool you. Ankara has had a long and diverse history and the city retains many aspects of its magical past. Great civilizations such as Roman, Ottoman, Hellenistic, Byzantine, Phrygian and Hittite have left their mark on the city in the form of grand castles and well-preserved ruins.

Table of Contents:

to Ankara
Overview
Culture
Location & Orientation
Climate & When to Visit
Sightseeing Highlights
Atatürk's Tomb & Museum (Anitkabir)
Road of Lions
Ceremonial Plaza
Hall of Honor
Peace Park
Anitkabir Atatürk Museum
Ankara Opera House
Kocatepe Mosque
Roman Baths of Ankara
Ankara Citadel (Hisar)
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Hattusha Ancient Ruins
Hamamönü Restored Area
Recommendations for the Budget Traveler
Places to Stay
Yeni Yavuz Hoteli
Han Hostel Ankara
Deniz Atlanta Hotel
Divan Cukurhan
Places to Eat & Drink
Cankaya Lokantasi
Ozge Piknik
Aba Piknik & Hosta Piknik
Simit Cafes
Trilye Seafood Restaurant
Places to Shop
Çikrikçilar Yokuşu
Bakircilar Çarsisi
Karum Is Merkezi
Cheap Charlies
Bilkent Plaza